When David and his men returned home, they found that their city had been destroyed. Their families and possessions had been taken away. David’s men blamed him. When the least expected happens, there is a tendency to blame others. We learn from David how we ought to react in a very trying situation. By David’s next move, we can see that the hand of God was moved to give him victory. When David approached God, he was told to go after the Amalekites who raided his place. God blessed David and also told him that he would be successful. David and his men got their families and possessions back only when they turned to God before they launched the attack upon the raiders. In the process of gaining victory over the Amalekites, we notice that David and his men became more mature in their trust and faith in God.
Sometimes, God allows us to pass through very difficult times, but through it all, we realize that it was for the purpose of maturing us in spiritual growth, and we come out better persons. There was a time when my husband Wilfred and I were sharing the good news in a rubber plantation. Everything was going on fine, until one day when there was some objection from a few of the people. They even stopped our car and told us that they were not happy about our going into that area. We were very polite with these people and stopped going into that rubber plantation for some time. We did not give up praying for this situation. We put our full trust in the Lord, that somehow he will make a way in this difficult situation. It took some weeks for the situation to be turned around in our favor. Our friends in the rubber plantation were able to get permission for us from the management to visit this place and carry on with our house prayer meetings. A Christian manager was newly posted, and he happened to be our friend. Many came to the saving knowledge of Jesus through these house meetings.
Trusting the Lord during the hard times and seeking his direction, most certainly brings us his blessings and a peaceful solution during our most trying times.
Trust the Lord during the hard times and seek his direction.
Ruth Devairakkam
Extended Scripture: 1 Samuel 29–31 (NKJV)
